Collection Instructions

Specimen Collection: Blood

Container(s): Red Top (Plain, No additive) x 3 or Gold Top (Serum Separator-SST Gel) x 3

Preferred Volume to Collect: 18.0 mL

Minimum Volume to Collect: 6.0 mL

Neonate Volume to Collect: 6.0 mL

Capillary collect ok: Yes

Microtainer acceptable: Yes

Collection Instructions:

• Fasting specimen preferred but not required
• Tubes must be full.
• Gently invert red or gold tube(s) 8 - 10 times to mix clot activator with blood.
• Specimen should be processed within 30 minutes – See Processing Instructions.

Processing Instructions (Laboratory, Outpatient or Off-site collection)

Processed Specimen: Serum

Centrifuge/Spin: Yes

Aliquot: Yes

Processing Instructions:

• When tubes are clotted (30 – 45 minutes), centrifuge specimens.
• Pour serum into aliquot tubes and refrigerate.

Transport Temperature: Refrigerated